[Federal Register: November 13, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 219)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 68755-68757]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr13no02-2]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 2002-NM-265-AD; Amendment 39-12945; AD 2002-23-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy
and Gulfstream 200 Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that
is applicable to certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP Model Galaxy and
Gulfstream 200 airplanes. This action requires a one-time inspection
for evidence of damage to the forward engine cross spar assembly; and
repair if necessary. This action is necessary to detect and correct
damage to the forward engine cross spar assembly, which could result in
reduced structural integrity of the forward engine cross spar assembly.
This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
DATES: Effective November 29, 2002.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of November 29, 2002.
Comments for inclusion in the Rules Docket must be received on or
before December 13, 2002.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114,
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2002-NM-265-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW.,
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232.
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address:
9-anm-iarcomment@faa.gov. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must
contain ``Docket No. 2002-NM-265-AD'' in the subject line and need not
be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via the Internet as attached
electronic files must be formatted in Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or
ASCII text.
The service information referenced in this AD may be obtained from
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D25,
Savannah, Georgia 31402. This information may be examined at the FAA,
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol
Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Civil Aviation Administration of Israel
(CAAI), which is the airworthiness authority for Israel, recently
notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may exist on certain
Gulfstream Model Galaxy and Gulfstream 200 airplanes. The CAAI advises
that, during the installation of the mounting brackets for the baggage
compartment liner, damage occurred to the upper beam cap of the forward
engine cross spar assembly, located at fuselage station 582.00. The
damage may have been a result of drill runs, and, if not corrected,
could result in reduced structural integrity of the forward engine
cross spar assembly.
Explanation of Relevant Service Information
Gulfstream has issued Gulfstream 200 Service Bulletin 200-53-128,
dated September 18, 2002, including a Service Reply Card, which
describes procedures for performing a one-time detailed inspection for
evidence of damage (i.e., drill marks) to the forward engine cross spar
assembly at fuselage station 582.00; and contacting the airplane
manufacturer for repair instructions, if necessary. The service
bulletin recommends that operators submit a report verifying completion
of the actions. Accomplishment of the actions specified in the service
bulletin is intended to adequately address the identified unsafe
condition. The CAAI classified this service bulletin as mandatory and
issued Israeli airworthiness directive 53-02-08-08, dated September 10,
2002, in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes
in Israel.
FAA's Conclusions
These airplane models are manufactured in Israel and are type
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the CAAI has kept the FAA informed
of the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of
the CAAI, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD
action is necessary for products of this type design that are
certificated for operation in the United States.
Explanation of Requirements of Rule
Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered
in the United States, this AD requires accomplishment of the actions
specified in the service bulletin described previously, except as
discussed below.
Differences Between This AD and Service Bulletin/Foreign Airworthiness
Directive
This AD differs from the parallel Israeli airworthiness directive
and Gulfstream 200 service bulletin in that, if damage is found to the
forward engine cross spar assembly, and repair is necessary, the repair
must be accomplished prior to further flight. The service bulletin and
the Israeli airworthiness directive allow the repair to be accomplished
after an additional 2 flight cycles, not to exceed 10 flight hours. The
FAA has determined that, because of the safety implications and
consequences associated with this type of damage, any damage on the
affected airplanes must be repaired prior to further flight. This
difference has been coordinated with the CAAI.
Clarification of Repair Information in Service Bulletin
Operators should note that, although the service bulletin specifies
that the manufacturer may be contacted for disposition of repair
methods, this AD requires that the repair be accomplished in accordance
with a method approved by the FAA or the CAAI (or its delegated agent).
Determination of Rule's Effective Date
Since a situation exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this regulation, it is found that notice and opportunity for prior
public comment hereon are impracticable, and that good
[[Page 68756]]
cause exists for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days.
Comments Invited
Although this action is in the form of a final rule that involves
requirements affecting flight safety and, thus, was not preceded by
notice and an opportunity for public comment, comments are invited on
this rule. Interested persons are invited to comment on this rule by
submitting such written data, views, or arguments as they may desire.
Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number and be submitted
in triplicate to the address specified under the caption ADDRESSES. All
communications received on or before the closing date for comments will
be considered, and this rule may be amended in light of the comments
received. Factual information that supports the commenter's ideas and
suggestions is extremely helpful in evaluating the effectiveness of the
AD action and determining whether additional rulemaking action would be
needed.
Submit comments using the following format:
[sbull] Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
[sbull] For each issue, state what specific change to the AD is
being requested.
[sbull] Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each
request.
Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the rule that might
suggest a need to modify the rule. All comments submitted will be
available, both before and after the closing date for comments, in the
Rules Docket for examination by interested persons. A report that
summarizes each FAA-public contact concerned with the substance of this
AD will be filed in the Rules Docket.
Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments
submitted in response to this rule must submit a self-addressed,
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments
to Docket Number 2002-NM-265-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped
and returned to the commenter.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have a substantial direct
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, it
is determined that this final rule does not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132.
The FAA has determined that this regulation is an emergency
regulation that must be issued immediately to correct an unsafe
condition in aircraft, and that it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under Executive Order 12866. It has been determined further
that this action involves an emergency regulation under DOT Regulatory
Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). If it is
determined that this emergency regulation otherwise would be
significant under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures, a final
regulatory evaluation will be prepared and placed in the Rules Docket.
A copy of it, if filed, may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of
the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
2002-23-01 Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Formerly Israel Aircraft
Industries, Ltd.): Amendment 39-12945. Docket 2002-NM-265-AD.
Applicability: Model Galaxy airplanes, having serial numbers 004
through 056 inclusive; and Gulfstream 200 airplanes, having serial
numbers 057 through 073 inclusive; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been
modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the
requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified,
altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of
this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an
alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of
this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of
the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition
addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been
eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to
address it.
Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished
previously.
To detect and correct damage to the forward engine cross spar
assembly, which could result in the reduced structural integrity of
the forward engine cross spar assembly, accomplish the following:
Inspection and Corrective Action, If Necessary
(a) Within 20 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD,
perform a one-time detailed inspection to detect evidence of damage
(i.e., drill marks) to the forward engine cross spar assembly at
fuselage station 582.000, per the Accomplishment Instructions of
Gulfstream 200 Service Bulletin 200-53-128, dated September 18,
2002.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is
defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific
structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage,
failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally
supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity
deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror,
magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate
access procedures may be required.''
(1) If no evidence of damage is found, no further action is
required by this paragraph.
(2) If any damage is found, prior to further flight, repair in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International
Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Civil
Aviation Administration of Israel (or its delegated agent).
Reporting Requirement
(b) Submit a report of inspection findings (both positive and
negative) to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, P.O. Box 2206, Mail
Station D25, Savannah, Georgia 31402; fax (912) 965-3598; at the
applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD.
The report must include the inspection results, a description of any
discrepancy found, the airplane serial number, and the number of
landings and flight hours on the airplane. Information collection
requirements contained in this AD have been approved by the Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork
Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been
assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) For airplanes on which the inspection is accomplished after
the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 60 days
after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this
AD.
(2) For airplanes on which the inspection has been accomplished
prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 60
days after the effective date of this AD.
Alternative Methods of Compliance
(c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the
compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be
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used if approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA
Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send
it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116.
Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved
alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be
obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116.
Special Flight Permits
(d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with
sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14
CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where
the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.
Incorporation by Reference
(e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be
done in accordance with Gulfstream 200 Service Bulletin 200-53-128,
dated September 18, 2002, including a Service Reply Card. This
incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part
51. Copies may be obtained from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation,
P.O. Box 2206, Mail Station D25, Savannah, Georgia 31402. Copies may
be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind
Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal
Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.
Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Israeli
airworthiness directive 53-02-08-08, dated September 10, 2002.
Effective Date
(f) This amendment becomes effective on November 29, 2002.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 5, 2002.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 02-28613 Filed 11-12-02; 8:45 am]
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